The World Day of the Sick is observed on February 11th all across the world. On this day, people all across the world pray for the sick and for those who strive tirelessly to alleviate their pain.
Pope John Paul II established the day as an opportunity for Christians to pray for those who are sick.
The feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes falls on the same day. Faith-based organizations commemorate this day by providing medicines, food, and spiritual guidance to the sick.
Theme of World Day of the Sick:
“As your Father is merciful, so be merciful” (Lk 6:36). On a path of generosity, standing by those who suffer.”
The subject of the day is based on Pope Francis’ address for the 30th World Day of the Sick.This day is marked for the betterment of societal welfare.
This is the most auspicious celebration that marks the action of praying for all those who are suffering across the world.
The themes were usually based on the holy bible that keeps giving messages to the people.
History of World Day of the Sick:
In 1991, Pope John Paul II was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a disease that has no cure but can be managed to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
This disease is thought to have led the Pope to set aside a day to pray for those who are sick. It’s also thought that the Pope picked this day as the World Day of Sickness since it’s the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Our Lady of Lourdes, a name given to Virgin Mary in commemoration of apparitions reported to have been seen in and around Lourdes, France, by a little girl named Bernadette Soubirous, is celebrated on February 11.
Many visitors and pilgrims who visited Lourdes, France have also claimed to have been healed at the Marian Sanctuary.
Thus in 1992, Pope John Paul II established the globe Day of the Sick to cue individuals to wish for the sick all round the world. The day was initially discovered on February eleven, 1993.
Nowadays, individuals supply prayers for those plagued by unwellness and conjointly for his or her caregivers.
The United Nations agency has dedicated their time and health for the care and treatment of the sick.
Pope Benedict XVI declared his call to resign from his post because the Pope is nowadays in 2013. His failing health was cited as the reason behind this call.
Significance of World Day of the Sick:
An added significance was there of the World Day of the Sick in 2005 since the weak Pope died on April 2 of that year.
As he lay dying, a large crowd gathered in Rome’s St. Dwindle Square to pray to God for him.
On this day in 2013, Pope Benedict XVI declared that he’s leaving, citing the reason as his degrading health as the cause for his departure.
Quotes for World Day Of The Sick:
- It is important to remember on World Day of the Sick to do good and assist all the people who are suffering as they are all children of God.
- Remember on World Day of the Sick that the church recognizes in all the sick people a special presence of the suffering Christ so all the believers should help and take care of them.
- “Those who care for the sick and give of themselves with generosity and straightforward love like St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta are amongst the Church’s most loved.”
- It is important to remember on World Day of the Sick to do good and assist all the people who are suffering as they are all children of God.
- Remember on World Day of the Sick that the church recognizes in all the sick people a special presence of the suffering Christ so all the believers should help and take care of them.
- “Those who care for the sick and give of themselves with generosity and straightforward love like St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta are amongst the Church’s most loved.”
- World Day of the Sick is a day of celebration for all believers who offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses.
- Only if we see ourselves, not as a world apart, but in a fraternal relationship with others, can we develop a social practice of solidarity aimed at the common good.” B
- “No one should be afraid to regard themselves as needy or reliant on others, because individually and by our own efforts we cannot overcome our limitations.”
- World Day of the Sick is celebrated to urge all the believers to act responsibly to promote the good all around the globe.
- On World Day of the Sick, we must learn to not fear to acknowledge our limitations as God himself, in Jesus, has humbly stooped down to us and continues to do so.
